Sunday, September 8, 2013

Wood Rot and Home Maintenance

When we look around our neighborhoods’ it
is easy to think that we humans are in control, but nature does not
agree. Our coastal homes in the wet Florida coast were built over tree
farms and marsh and the moisture from the humidity around us carries
spores and organisms. Given the right conditions, these organisms will
attach to our homes and the damage done as our homes deteriorate we call
‘rot’.

Where Does Rot Grow?

Organisms
that create rot grow where there are organic materials, moisture, and
warmth. Organic material is commonly wood siding or trim materials but
if the rot is advanced, it can also be the wood siding and even
structural walls of our homes. We have all seen images of old farm
houses and barns left to rot and over time they suffer from structural
collapse.

What areas are susceptible to Rot?

Air
movement and sunshine are the best tools at drying the exterior of our
homes. Unfortunately, the north sides of our homes see very little sun
in the winter months which makes this area the most susceptible to rot.
Allowing vines or other vegetation to grow against the sides of our
homes can also prevent the sun and air to dry out our homes. Storage
placed against our homes can also restrict movement with one of the
worst stored items being wood piles which are a constant source of rot
causing organisms and wood eating insects.

Another
high source of moisture can come from the ground itself either through
direct contact with soil or through water wicked up concrete. Flower
beds and planters placed along the side of the house can quickly create
rot at and below the soil level causing non-visible damage to the
exterior and structure. It is best to have 6-8” of foundation visible
around your entire home to ensure the house is held above the water
found in soil.

How do I Stop Rot?

Wood
is an amazing building product as it can absorb and release water
without damaging the structural integrity of the wood fibers. However,
once rot has done damage to the wood fibers, the damage is permanent. It
is possible to repair areas with small amounts of rot and protect them
with a new coat of paint but when large areas are effected by rot, wood
products may require replacement.

Replacing
wood trim occasionally is considered regular home maintenance. Keeping
wood trim and siding painted or stained regularly can also encourage
drying and slow the effects of organic growth. If regular maintenance,
particularly on wood sided homes, is neglected for a long period the
costs of repair and replacement can be very significant to the home and
may involve repairing structural areas.

What Does a Home Inspector Look for with Rot?

SitePro
inspectors are looking for signs of rot to determine if there is
maintenance needed, minor repairs needed, or major repairs needed. SitePro inspectors are looking for visual signs of rot and may probe sample areas to see if rot is perhaps concealed under paint.

Unfortunately,
rot can often be hidden by soil levels, storage and vegetation, or
concealed with paint which will not be visible during a SitePro inspection.

Final Thoughts

Preventing
rot is about regular maintenance. Ensuring that your home has adequate
clearance from the ground, removing vegetation and storage from the
outside of the home, maintaining paint and caulking, and doing minor
repairs as needed can keep your home free of major rot for its lifetime

Nothing
in this message is intended to constitute an electronic signature
unless a specific statement to the contrary is included in this message.

DISCLAIMER:
The information in this communication is confidential and may be
legally privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual
or entity to whom it is addressed and other authorized to receive it. If
you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance of
the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be
unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please contact the
sender immediately by return e-mail. SitePro LLC is neither liable for
the proper nor complete transmission of the information contained in
this communication nor for any delay in its receipt.

SitePro
Residential and Commericial Inspections has taken every reasonable
precaution to ensure that any attachment to this e-mail has been swept
for viruses. However, we cannot accept liability for any damage
sustained as a result of viruses and would advise that you carry out
your own virus check before opening any attachment. This e-mail is meant
to communicate company related materials only. Opinions expressed by
the author of this e-mail are solely his/her own. SitePro Residential
and Commericial Inspections will not be liable for opinions expressed in
this e-mail.